Do I have what I need???

As the scribe for our group, I hope to represent more of our group experience when we begin our travels. However, right now, I feel a bit on my own. Now comes the task, as my fellow travelers I'm sure are doing in their own homes this week, of trying to pack.

I have a lot of books.

Among the information given to us for our trip was a list of recommended or suggested reading. These are books I was intending to read or re-read prior to our departure on Feb 14th. Now I am wondering which of them I should pack...

Will I know what I will need to know to make the most of this journey?

I was reminded again this week at seminary that this is often the case for those who pick up the Bible. Scripture can be very foreign to us. So many places and names to remember! Even after eight years of theological education (four in college as a religion major and four in seminary), I still find myself asking who, what, and where questions about the books of the Bible. In some cases, I find myself being asked questions about the Bible by others and need to reply "Let me check and get back to you on that."

Is it necessary for me to know, from memory, that Jonah fled from Joppa or that Paul appeared before governor Felix at Caesarea in order to take this trip?

No, it could help... perhaps...but there is a bigger thing here. I think what is important to bring along on this trip or even in a Bible study is the openness to learn, to share what one encounters but to also just see what happens. The disciples didn't have a lot of qualifications when Jesus asked them to "Come and see." I didn't have to take a Bible quiz to qualify for this trip. We all were simply asked to be a part and experience it.

Does that pack my suitcase for me? No, but it is reassuring and exciting. Although I will have to get something in the suitcase soon...